23 Christmas Lights Shows From Around the World for 2025
If you’re looking for a festive activity to get you into the holiday spirit, exploring Christmas lights shows with your loved ones should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re located in the United States, Europe or Asia, there are many displays you can discover this Christmas season.
Christmas lights have been a holiday tradition since 1882. Time Magazine mentions that Edward Johnson, a close friend of Thomas Edison, the inventor of the lightbulb, introduced Christmas lights to the holiday. From decorating the White House to your family’s Christmas tree, this decoration is a staple each holiday season.
We’ve rounded up a list of the most beautiful Christmas lights shows around the world to help you have a memorable holiday with your family and friends.
Jump to Section
- Best Christmas Lights in Europe
- Best Christmas Lights in North and South America
- Best Christmas Lights in Asia
- Best Christmas Lights in Australia and Beyond
- Best Christmas Lights FAQs
Best Christmas Lights in Europe
1. Paris, France
If you’re on the hunt to see the best Christmas lights in the world, travel to Paris. While the location is already called “The City of Lights”, the location lights up even more around Christmas time for the most beautiful Christmas lights shows.
Thousands of fairy lights are strung on trees along the Champs-Élysées from the end of November to the beginning of January. This fun area also hosts a festive Christmas market throughout December featuring traditional food, holiday-themed vendors and even more Christmas lights shows. You won’t want to miss the beautiful City of Lights during the holiday season!
2. Madrid, Spain
Stroll through Madrid’s main boulevards of Gran Via and Paseo del Prado to admire the festive Christmas lights shows. You’ll likely see several Belen or nativity scenes, constructed around the city.
If you’d rather not walk, book a tour on the Naviluz, a double-decker Christmas bus that will take you around the city to view the stunning Christmas lights shows. You can also visit the city’s beloved holiday market at the Plaza Mayor to purchase fun holiday gifts or view even more Christmas lights shows.
3. Vienna, Austria
Stop in Vienna to admire the beautiful Christmas lights shows. The combination of the charming architecture with the twinkling lights is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Go shopping along the beloved streets of Graben and Kärntner Strasse to view some of the most dazzling Christmas displays.
Make sure to stop at the Rathaus, Vienna’s town hall, to see the breathtaking building lit up like a fairytale castle for one of the most magical Christmas lights shows around the world.
4. Stockholm, Sweden
Watch the whole city of Stockholm come to life with one of the best Christmas lights shows. Gaze at the stunning 120-foot-high Christmas tree that’s resurrected each Christmas in the old town. Wander through the abundance of markets to find Christmas gifts and enjoy delicious treats.
With over 40 streets and squares decorated with twinkling lights, there’s no shortage of beautiful Christmas light shows you can take in this holiday season.
5. London, England
Travel to Covent Garden in London to see one of the most beautiful Christmas lights shows. You can also stroll through Ellesmere Port shopping centre in Cheshire to gaze at the 90-foot tall Christmas tree that burns bright with over 100,000 bulbs.
From discovering the magic of Christmas at Christmas at Kew to wandering around the shops of Oxford Street, there are tons of Christmas lights shows you can enjoy with your loved ones in London.
6. Nuremberg, Germany
If you’re spending Christmas in Germany, there’s no doubt you’ll want to see some of the best Christmas light shows in the city.
Visit the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt for a classic tradition in Germany. This Christmas market offers sightseeing tours to see the most beautiful Christmas lights shows in the area and has an abundance of shopping and delicious food to enjoy.
You can also view the Christmas lights and decorations in Old Town for a festive holiday season.
Best Christmas Lights in North and South America
7. New York City
For the top 10 best Christmas lights shows in the world, venture to New York City. Experience the annual tree lighting at the Rockefeller Center before viewing the elaborate window displays along Fifth Avenue.
Enjoy the beautiful light shows at Bloomingdales and Macy’s at Herald Square while getting your Christmas shopping done. You can also stop at the Plaza Hotel to admire the world’s largest menorah to celebrate Hanukkah.
8. Newport Beach, California
Discover one of the most beautiful Christmas lights shows taking place on the water. Experience a traditional holiday boat parade in Newport Beach, one of the longest-running boat parades in the United States.
Grab a cup of hot chocolate and relax on a pier while watching the boats float by with colorful lights, Christmas trees and festive vessels. Many neighboring homes and businesses also decorate for the event to add to the nautical winter wonderland theme.
9. Niagara Falls, Ontario
Discover one of the most majestic Christmas lights shows in Niagara Falls. With over 125 light displays and three million colored lights surrounding the stunning landmark, Niagara Falls is one of the most jaw-dropping places to visit to appreciate the Christmas lights.
Visit this hotspot from early November through late January to enjoy the CAA Winter Festival of Lights, which includes an illuminated Canadian-American flag and a beautiful illuminated menorah.
10. Medellin, Columbia
Get into the holiday spirit with one of the best Christmas lights shows in Medellin. This Columbian city is well-known for its Christmas Lights Fiesta, an annual celebration that lights up the night sky with millions of string lights in the shapes of holiday figures, such as Christmas trees and animals.
Stroll through Rio Medellin and downtown to discover some of the most beautiful light displays the city has to offer.
11. Gramado, Brazil
Experience one of the best Christmas lights shows in Gramado for an unforgettable event. This mountain town features a two-month-long Natal Luz or Christmas of Light, celebration. Enjoy the traditional Christmas tree light show paired with a festive orchestra.
Then, stay for the thrilling Grand Christmas Parade and Nativitaten, an outdoor Christmas opera with dancers and fireworkers. This quaint town in Brazil is a wonderful place to ring in the holidays.
12. Monterey, Mexico
Enjoy Christmas in Mexico with Festival Luztopía, one of the largest Christmas lights shows in the country. With a variety of illuminated figures, vendors and a cozy firepit, this celebration will brighten anyone’s day. Discover the beautiful white castle and enjoy the street performers in the city. Spending Christmas in Monterey is one of the most unforgettable ways to enjoy the Christmas light shows.
13. Boothbay, Maine
Explore the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens for one of the best Christmas lights shows in the United States. With over 250 acres decked out in Christmas lights, Boothbay is one of the best places to ring in the holiday. Grab your friends and wander along the walking paths to enjoy the stunning light displays. After your stroll, stop in the gift shop to purchase locally-made soaps, honey and lights from the show for Christmas gifts for your loved ones.
Best Christmas Lights in Asia
14. Singapore
If you’re looking for the best Christmas lights in the world, experience the magic of the holidays on the streets of Singapore. Buy a ticket for an open-top bus to travel down Orchard Road to view the extravagant Christmas lights shown above. Admire the Christmas decorations on business buildings competing for the Best Dressed Building.
Make sure to plan your trip for the Celebrate Christmas in Singapore (CCIS) event for a week with thrilling music performances and decorated floats parading down the main street.
15. Tokyo, Japan
Discover Christmas in Japan with some of the best Christmas lights shows across Asia. With many of the world’s high-tech companies located in the city, Tokyo is filled with modern and unique Christmas light shows.
Explore Caretta Shiodome to experience an ocean-themed lights display or admire the stunning galaxy-themed display on the Roppongi Hills. The city boasts some of the most unique and magical Christmas lights shows for a memorable holiday.
16. Hong Kong, China
Experience the beautiful Christmas lights shows in Hong Kong for a one-of-a-kind Christmas. Enjoy the traditional Symphony of Lights show to view a choreographed neon lights display across Victoria Harbor. Then, stroll through holiday markets for Christmas shopping and enjoy one of the many holiday concerts around the city for a festive holiday season.
17. Tbilisi, Georgia
If you’re traveling to Tbilisi this holiday season, you’ll want to stop for one of the best Christmas lights shows across the region. Explore the city’s Liberty Square to admire the stunning Christmas lights. Observe the traditional Saint George monument transformed into a majestic Christmas tree. While in town, make sure to indulge in the vibrant cuisine and extravagant shopping for a fun Christmas holiday.
18. Bangkok, Thailand
Admiring Christmas lights shows in Bangkok is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you stroll through shopping malls or explore the Siam area, there are tons of stunning lights to add magic to your Christmas. Take your little ones to Chocolate Ville Christmas Wonderland to enjoy the stunning lights and festive boats along the canal. Bangkok is an incredible place for anyone to enjoy the Christmas lights shows.
Best Christmas Lights in Australia and Beyond
19. Melbourne, Australia
To view one of the top 10 best Christmas lights shows in the world, spend Christmas in Australia. Enjoy the Christmas Lights on the Boulevard event to experience nine days of extravagant Christmas lights. Head to downtown Melbourne to view an annually changing lights display at the Myer Department Store on Bourke Street, a holiday tradition for the locals. End your Christmas adventure by admiring the beautiful Christmas tree in City Square.
20. Auckland, New Zealand
Experience Christmas lights shows in Auckland for a holiday season unlike any other. Travel down Franklin Road to admire the vast amount of lights displayed by both businesses and homeowners.
Book a ticket on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway to participate in Counties Energy Christmas Lights – Trains at Night for an event reminiscent of Polar Express. You’ll also be sure to spot Sky Tower with its annual display of red and green lights to ring in the holiday season.
21. Adelaide, Australia
Discover the magic of Christmas with Christmas lights shows in Adelaide. The holiday brings everyone together with many neighbors decorating their homes with Christmas lights. Find the interactive map online with the best Christmas Light displays across the city.
Whether you’re in the Northern Suburbs or Adelaide Hills, there are tons of beautiful Christmas lights shows to take in this holiday season. Make sure to also save time to stop by the beautiful Christmas tree in Victoria Square.
22. Sydney, Australia
There’s no shortage of incredible Christmas lights shows to view in Sydney. Discover the city’s prized Christmas trees at Martin Place and the Queen Victoria Building. Make time to stop at St. Mary’s Cathedral to appreciate the stunning lights displayed by this historic landmark.
Whether you’re located in the Eastern Suburbs or South Sydney, there are tons of local neighborhoods to explore to see the most beautiful Christmas lights shows in the city.
23. Timaru, New Zealand
Enjoy beautiful Christmas light shows in Timaru for an unforgettable holiday season. Local residents can sign up to invite the public to view their light display in the Timaru Christmas Parade Trust Lights, an annual competition that brings a sense of community to the town. Scroll the list to discover the best homes and times to view the Christmas lights in a variety of neighborhoods, including Temuka and Pleasant Point.
Best Christmas Lights FAQ
What is the biggest Christmas lights show in the world?
Enchant Christmas is one of the biggest Christmas lights shows you can enjoy with your family and friends. Wander through one of the best walk-through Christmas lights shows with over 4 million twinkling lights decorating major league sports stadiums and outdoor venues.
With several locations in the United States, including San Jose, Seattle and Las Vegas, there are plenty of opportunities to add this magical experience to your Christmas checklist.
Which city has the best Christmas lights?
If you’re looking for the best Christmas lights, NYC and Paris tie for the best illuminated Christmas displays. While NYC brings Christmas charm to the city with a 77-foot Christmas tree, reindeer decorations and stunning light displays, Paris also has extravagant Christmas light shows all across the city. So, if you find yourself in Europe or the United States and you want to see the best Christmas lights, travel to these cities to ring in the holidays.
Where is the best Christmas celebration in the world?
If you’re looking for authentic Christmas traditions around the world, Finland is the place to celebrate your holiday! Travel to Rovaniemi, officially declared the hometown of Santa Claus in 2010. Explore stunning Christmas lights shows in this charming town before you explore the Santa Claus Holiday Village. Then, head to Santa Park, an indoor theme park and enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride through the town. There are many ways to celebrate Christmas in Finland!
From Asia to the United States, there are tons of stunning Christmas lights shows around the world to help you ring in a festive holiday season. Whether you’re looking for ideas on how to make the best Christmas lights for the roofline to decorate your own home or you want to enjoy memorable Christmas lights shows with your loved ones, viewing Christmas lights is an excellent way to celebrate the holidays.
For even more fun Christmas ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
